Exhumation of both buried and cremated remains always requires a
Home Office Licence
Exhumations occur for a number of reasons, including:
- movement from the original grave to a subsequently acquired family plot in the same or other cemetery
- repatriation overseas
- transfer from one cemetery scheduled for development to another
- Court orders requiring further forensic examination
Please note the granting of a Home Office Exhumation Licence is subject to a valid reason being approved by the Home Office.
It is an offence to exhume any human remains without first obtaining the necessary lawful permissions.
- A licence must be obtained from the Home Office. Exhumation licences will also contain certain conditions that have to be observed. Apply here for your Exhumation licence.
- An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the exhumation of a body to ensure that there is no threat to public health